Rickettsiaceae is a family of bacteria that are primarily known for being obligate intracellular parasites. This means they can only survive and reproduce inside the cells of a host organism. These bacteria are often transmitted to humans through the bites of infected arthropods, such as ticks and fleas. Members of the Rickettsiaceae family include important pathogens like Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Rickettsia prowazekii, responsible for epidemic typhus. Due to their unique life cycle and transmission methods, Rickettsiaceae are significant in public health and require careful monitoring to prevent outbreaks.